Summary for week of 1 - 7 Apr 07

Started with running in the rain, ending with flu

• Sunday, 1 Apr: PD Half Marathon.
• Monday, 2 Apr: No runs.
• Tuesday, 3 Apr: CBD Run.
• Wednesday, 4 Apr: Refused to run.
• Thursday, 5 Apr: Watched 2 movies with Irwan, "The Reaping and Shooter".
• Friday, 6 Apr: Had to forgo the Northern Run organised by Jamessoh.
• Saturday, 7 Apr: Went to JB, had goreng pisang. Then watched a scary movie "Jangan Pandang Belakang". Scary, good plot but they could have done better with the ghost, looked like a mannequin. Though was sneezing all day, i still stayed up late and watched Man Utd lose to Portsmouth.

Will take the following week to rest, before starting intensive training for IPPT and Mt Faber race.

Crazy or what???

Kak J called me up... "Eh Shut... a group of us going to Alor Setar in May... u wanna go?". My first reaction was... where is Alor Setar. Scanning my brain, i realised that Alor Setar is in Kedah, the second-most northern state in Peninsular Malaysia. Kak J then continued "the run will be on road for the first 3km... then we run at the padi fields..." . I started to laugh, not just because i've started to get interested, but also because i imagined myself being cramped up in a bus, sitting for 12hrs, dying to reach Kedah. But the ultimate laughter came when Kak J said "after the run we'll go down to Ipoh and run in the Centennial run the next day".

I was in 2 minds about saying yes. Firstly, i will need to take leave on Friday since we'll be leaving on a Thursday night. Secondly, 12hr journey by bus is no joke. And no toilets? Lastly, it would mean another weekend away from Ed.

Thinking about running through padi fields, i asked Ed what she thought and surprisingly she replied, "i think you should go for it." What more can i say......

Checked my leave when i got back to office on Monday and saw that i have a meeting the Friday, when i would probably be in Alor Setar. Checked with BG Lim and he said... "go lah, go lah, just change the meeting, what's the big deal?".

So, i am going to Alor Setar and Ipoh. The Alor Setar run is on the Saturday and the Ipoh one is the day after, both are 21km. Can i do it?? Doesn't matter.....

Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Why do we have difficulty saying "sorry"? It is that hard........??

Was in JB last Saturday.... at a shopping mall... and a woman knocked her trolley into me, hitting my right thigh. I called her a woman and not a lady because of her reaction...... though i honestly think that the incident was truely an accident, the woman was... not woman enough to simply apologise. Instead she immediately said.... "not my fault... he cut into my lane".... Humans.....

What's next??

Can't believe it is April, how time flies?

I've completed:

• A 30km race - GE Pacesetters 30K
• A full Marathon - KL Marathon
• A half Marathon - Port Dickson Half

So what now? Let's see.....

• continue running but concentrate more on short and fast runs: I need to work on my speed, especially if i want a decent timing during IPPT, which is less than 1.5months away.
• strength training: Got to start pumping iron and hang if i want to get monetary rewards during IPPT. My weak stations have always been standing broad jump and chin-up, though i remember failing 2.4km after passing all the other stations, once, long time ago.
• swim: Not that i can't swim, i was dubbed the "Gold Medal Swimmer" by my squadmates during PA. Can't remember where i kept my Survival Gold pin. Still, forward crawl is what i need to practice nowadays, since i can survive on frog-style.

As for races:

• Mizuno Mount Faber race is coming up: that reminds me, i need to orientate myself with the route.
• Real Run Terrain Race: 2 rounds round Bedok Reservoir, what a bore. Then again, hope the t-shirt is good.
• Ipoh Centennial Celebration Half Marathon: Can i not go??
• NB Pacesetters 15km: Just got clearance from OC Troop to go ahead with this. Yaahhooo...
• Bintan Triathlon: Need to see the coach and my teammates soon.
• World Harmony Run: Might as well join, get some mileage.
• Penang Bridge...... we'll talk about this later. Now got to go makan.

CBD Run - 3 Apr 07

The day we went up Fort Canning

With Marina South undergoing facelift due to the IR, CBD runners had to look for new running routes. This week, the group headed for Fort Canning.

Reached startpoint just after 6. Stopped by Coffee Bean and bought one whole cheezcake, partly as punishment for running faster than JT and Charlotte 2 weeks ago, partly because i just felt like bringing something, to liven up the now-seemed-very-dull-and-sien CBD Run. (photo courtesy of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - i was too lazy to zap some pictures)

We got going just after 7. I was in my Mizuno blue vest and shorts, NB1060 and USK attached to my racebelt. The route will take us from Maxwell Rd to Shenton Way down towards Esplanade. A u-turn and down under the bridge will swing us to the direction of Empress Place, Riverfront and Clarke Quay. Crossing the overhead bridge to bring us to the other side of the road, we'll run against traffic flow and turn right towards Clemenceau Ave before turning right again into Fort Canning. Running up the slopes and round the hill before eventually ending up at the same overhead bridge near the Reverse Bungee station at Clarke Quay. From there, back to the start.

I started fast, as the case after every races. The PD Half caused me sore quads and calf muscles but i knew for sure that i badly needed a recovery run. I shuttled from back to front, trying to save my legs for what the run was all about, the climb up Fort Canning. After some confusion at the overhead bridge, we eventually settled for running along River Valley Rd towards Clemenceau Ave and run up from there.

The slope was not too steep, nothing compared to the double hills at KL. Cokiee was leading and Fennel took over before long. I felt tired and took my time, running slow. As most were unfamiliar with the route, we waited at every intersections, ensuring that nobody got lost.

The run back was uneventful, less me trying to get JT to finish the race in style. SV reminded me about getting some sit-ups, after i told him that my IPPT is coming near. With his assistance in holding my ankles, i managed to do 50, before feeling cramps at the stomach, thigh and calves.

Can't remember who brought the H2O, but the cheezcake was good.

Distance: 9.68km

Shoe: NB 1060

Port Dickson International Half Marathon - 1 April 2007

No sub-2hr but a PB nonetheless

I got up at 5am, couldn't really sleep. Poor city boy not used to sleeping in a kampong house. After shower, applied NEAT Cream to abrasion prone areas and put on my SGRunners running vest, urban survival kit, Adidas cap and black shorts. Having checked everything in place, NL and me left for the startpoint, praying that the weather will hold.

Joining Mr and Mrs IMD at the start point after i put on my Adizero SN Red, i did my customary warm up stretches while waiting for registration to start. The weather however, had other plans. Drizzle turned to heavy rain by the time the VIP flagged off the 21km runners.

I couldn't believe the organisers allowed the race to proceed. However, at that point, i had another thing to worry about. The cold from the rain meant i had to pee, and trying to be the considerate foreigner, i held off my bladder and waited for the right opportunity. We got to the main road by the beach. Yeehua was slightly behind me at first but overtook when i stopped for my first pee break.

Rain probably turned to a slight storm and visibility was poor. I chatted with a runner from Malacca, who liked my SGRunners vest. We u-turned at the 7km mark and collected a ribbon to add to the one given during registration. Running back towards the startpoint, i adhered to my walk at every waterpoints routine, although there weren't anyone at the waterpoints. I felt tired as, opposed to the slight raise of feet for normal runs, running in ankle deep waters at part meant having to raise your feet higher and land harder for grip.

The fatique subsided as i reached the 10km point. Checking traser, i realised that i completed the first 10km in 55minutes. Sensing an opportunity for a good performance, i felt renewed vigour and continued running, a left turn towards the Armour camp, but not before another pee break. I passed by a stall selling pisang goreng but decided against buying some.

Reaching the intersection to the highway, where i needed to make a right turn and collect another ribbon, i continued at my 5-6mins/km pace. I past a runner who told me that he is currently the 90th in the "A" category, meaning we will get the finisher's medal if we complete the race. He waved me on after realising that he couldn't match my pace. I was more concerned for my timing. I missed finishing in 2hr at Putrajaya Half last year because of a miscalculation.

Reaching the round-a-bout, i collected another ribbon before turning right towards the startpoint. Distance markers indicated 2km to go. I tried to push myself but by the time i get to the last left turn towards the Marina, i knew 2hrs was beyond me. I continued on, knowing that i can still better my PB and finished the race in 2:02, cutting 3mins off my best timing.

After surrendering the ribbons, i collected my certificate and medal, got a few gulp of Milo and 100plus, and chatted with Nezz from Pacesetters. NL, who finished in 1:52, and me then left for breakfast. Good run, first time ever running in the rain for me, but an experience i will cherish for life.

Distance: 21.2km

Shoe: Adizero SN Red

Timing: 2:02

Summary for week of 25-31 Mar

No runs.... was out of town most of the week.

• Sunday, 25 Mar: No runs.
• Monday, 26 Mar: Left for Jakarta.
• Tuesday, 27 Mar: Still in Jakarta. Should have brought my running and swimming gear, the gym and pool facilities were excellent.
• Wednesday, 28 Mar: Got back in the evening and watched Ed's badminton game. No happy ending though.
• Thursday, 29 Mar: Wanted to swim but the weather did not permit. Watched two movies instead.
• Friday, 30 Mar: Watched another movie after carbo-loaded with La Mien from Banquet Harbourfront.
• Saturday, 31 Mar: Left for Port Dickson with NL and IMD. Upon arrival, collected registration pack and bought 24 packs of Powergel at RM4/pack. God knows when i will finish all that. Left for NL's granny's house, a kampong house, where we put up for the night. Went out again after that, first to Pasar Tani, the night market; then for dinner at warong Mak Mah, where i had a not-so-nice version of Nasi Padprik; and lastly to another makan place where we watched Man Utd beat Blackburn 4-1. Before we found the last makan place, i called another NS friend, Sharil to give me SMS updates each time a goal is scored and at half and full time. The funny thing was, the makan place received the live game about a minute later than viewers in Singapore. So i knew whenever a goal was scored even before it was shown on TV. Funny!!

Learning point for the week: Bring sports gear wherever i go.

Summary for week of 18-24 Mar 07

The week after KLIM... achings everywhere!!

• Sunday, 18 Mar: KL Marathon.
• Monday, 19 Mar: Reached home at 9am, took a short nap. Got up and rushed to Blood Bank, only to discover the place closes on Monday.
• Tuesday, 20 Mar: CBD Run.
• Wednesday, 21 Mar: No runs, watched Ed easily beat her opponents in her badminton game again.
• Thursday, 22 Mar: Travel day. Got back and visited Granny at the hospital before hopping to another hospital, the Blood Bank, to donate blood for the 45th time.
• Friday, 23 Mar: No runs, watched Ed's badminton game again. Though her tag-team partner was not her usual, they still won.
• Saturday, 24 Mar: Was on duty at NATAS Fair at Suntec. Then went on a makan and movie spree with Irwan.

1 week to Port Dickson Half Marathon.

CBD Run - 20 Mar 07

Still partially limping due to KL Marathon over the weekend, i braved myself for the CBD run, hoping it could serve as my recovery run. Left office just after 6pm, having changed into my white/blue Mizuno vest and blue shorts. Stopped by Tanjung Pagar market to get a comb of banana, JT and Le_charlotte complained about being hungry.

Most of the runners were already at scene by the time i arrived. After exchanging hellos, i put on my Asics Cumulus and organised my urban survival kit. Tiwazz briefly briefed the group on the route we are going to take; Along Maxwell Road before turning left down Shenton Way towards Esplanade. Then it will be under the bridge, bringing us to towards Victoria Concert Hall, Empress Place, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Kim Seng. From there, we have to make our way along Outram Road, Cantonment Road before turning into Lim Teck Kim Rd. After that, a left turn into Anson Rd and we'll be back to the start point.

I started the run at the back of the pack, together with IMD. Chatting away, we realised that the group was running at a rather fast pace. Then again, i wasn't feeling tired or any soreness when i was running, a total reverse from when i walk. By the time we reached Clarke Quay, i slowed down and accompanied Orange Tee, who was the last runner. Along Outram Rd, Tiwazz took over the sweeper's role while i joined the front gang, having promised to run with JT.

Lim Teck Kim Rd was dark and so i dropped back and ran with Piglet. Soon, we reached the start and ending point, where Philip and a gang of Nike people were ready to show us their new technology.

According to Tiwazz, the route was 7km. It feels like 7km but the Nike people though, using their technology, claimed that it was 10.9km, which made many runners quietly happy.

Good recovery run, just what i need.

Distance: 10.9km (can't argue with technology, can i?)

Shoe: Asics Cumulus (still rather stiff, and hard at the forefoot area)

KL International Marathon - 18 Mar 07

Got up when the alarm sounded at 2am. Had a quick shower and applied lubricant to abrasion prone areas. I then donned my SGRunners vest and Adidas black shorts. Forced myself to drink the Myoplex protein shake as replacement for breakfast and gulped down 2 capsules of Amino Acid. I then put on my Adizero SN Red and made sure i feel comfortable in the shoe. Just before 3am, i grabbed my urban running kit and Creative MP3-filled nathan Waist wallet, Adidas white cap and left for the lobby.

Realrunner was already waiting. I did my preliminary stretches while the others appeared, one by one. Babumouse gave me 2 salt tablets. Though i would breach the rule of no experiments during raceday, i felt that salt tablets are handy aids to prevent cramps. We left for Dataran Merdeka as soon as everyone arrived. It took us about 5 minutes to reached the event location. I called Tey from Pacesetters and met him to pass his Ultramarathon finisher's tee. After exchanging best wishes, i deposited my luggage and looked for a toilet with Balasing and Benruth. Saw some familiar faces along the way, Kayano, Burnz, TLR from SGRunners. I also saw Hayley from Pacesetters, she looked super hot but calm and composed.

After being ushered into the reporting zone, i did another set of stretches and got to know a new friend in Steven. Before i knew it, the race started. I did a slow run with Balasing. Yeehua was nearby and overtook us somewhere near the 5km mark. After a pee stop, i ran faster and left Balasing, knowing that he will catch up as the distance increases.

I reached the 10km mark in 1:07. Not too bad, as i aimed to cover 9km/hr. Burnz appeared and after having my first pack of powergel, i continued on. I drank at every water stations. At 15km, i took my first capsule of salt tablet. I wasn't feeling tired or any pains. Saw Andy who was complaining of pains in his foot. I gave him some words of encouragements and moved on.

At 2:15, i reached the 20km point. Took another pack of powergel and looked around for familiar faces from the 10km stop. That way i can more or less judge who runs in similar speed as me. I saw Burnz and another Malaysian runner. We exchanged best wishes and continued on.

We reached Bukit Bintang before turning right towards Concorde Hotel, where a group of Adidas cheerleaders were chanting "Impossible is nothing", god knows what that meant. I came across Lim Kok Wing University Gallery, which sounded familiar and i realised it to be what i saw on "Gol and Gincu the series".

Being bored, i got frustrated when i didn't see the 22.5km water point where i felt it should have been. I then realised that i must have slowed down. Feeling a bit tired and a little irritation on the right knee (must be the old injury from the football match), i continued on and passed by a shop in the vacinity of Masjid India, selling Nasi Kandar. I stopped and took a deep breathe, enjoying the aromatic smell of curry fish head probably, before continuing on. Saw some 21km runners zooming past before the sight of Dataran Merdeka appeared. I knew that there will be a turn somewhere, that will take us another 18km or so, so i tried hard not to get excited.

I stopped for another pee break at a toilet, the keeper was nice enough not to demand 20sen from me. I continued on and reached the 28km water station. After that, my strides felt slower and the route feels longer. I came across a junction with a traffic controller on duty. I realised that i was alone. It was an amazing feeling when the controller commanded all traffic to stop and wait for a slow me to cross the road. I knew for sure that that will never happen should the race be held in Singapore. Thumbs up to the warden and the motorists.

I then passed by Chow Kit Road, not before nearly taking a wrong left turn when i should have gone straight. Thankfully a passerby called out and pointed me to the right direction. The support and understanding of the people was pretty amazing. Finally, i reached the 30km mark, where a fella with a casted hand enthusiastically gave out powergels. I took one and that was my third pack, washing it down with plain water. The next 5km was a run-walk, mainly walking. Balasing overtook me and i was looking over my shoulders for Burnz. Perhaps i looked too often as i had a very painful cramp of the left shoulder at 34km. Applying some heaty massage oil, courtesy of the medics at the waterpoint, i also took my last capsule of salt tablet before walking slowly.

The cramp subsided when i reached 35km where i heard a call for "Shut". I turned around and saw SV, who then called me a slacker. Fair enough. SV got me to go on a slow jog with him, and i constantly reminded him not to increase his pace, not wanting to get anymore cramps. Until then, a personal best was within reach. However, sub-5hr was realistically beyond us. SV and me decided not to "chiong" back and continued our slow jog. Got to the 36 or 37km waterpoint (the 6 and 5km to-go markers were less than 20 metres apart) and took a good sip before peeing behind a truck. It was then a slow jog to the u-turn point and back up for the final 4km.

Caught up with Steven, who looked dead tired. I motioned for him to follow us and he did. Got to the 40km waterpoint at about 5:05 and saw Babumouse, who complaint of knee pains. Babumouse, SV and me walked the next km, talking about anything under the sun. Mythos ran past after waving at SV. I then remembered that SV and me were wearing SGRunners vests. No way can we be walking back to the finishline, it will be so embarassing. So with 1km to go, i dragged SV for a slow jog. A couple of runners who have completed their races lined the pavements leading to the finish line, cheering us on. I advised SV against increasing his pace. The painful cramps i got from SCSM for "chionging" the last 200m or so served as a good lesson. Slowly, we reached the finishing line in 5:20, 8 minutes slower than SCSM for me.

I collected my finisher's pack containing finisher's tee and medal, and returned my timing chip, recovering the RM20 deposit. I then took out another RM30 from my urban survival kit and registered for the Penang Bridge Full Marathon in June. Just finished a torturous marathon and there i was registering for another one.

I guess the PB will have to wait. No worries though, as i thoroughly enjoyed this race. Organisers were great, people were great, I love running in Malaysian races. Next stop is Port Dickson Half Marathon on 1st April.

Distance: 42.195km

Shoe: Adizero SN Red

Timing: 5:20

Summary for week of 11-17 Mar 07

The week before KL Marathon.

• Sunday, 11 Mar: LSD at Coastal Rd.
• Monday, 12 Mar: No runs.
• Tuesday, 13 Mar: No runs.
• Wednesday, 14 Mar: Planned for a short 10-13km but had to forgo due to travel. Watched Ed's badminton game when i got back. I have known her for more than 10 years but never have i seen her that lively. For the record, she played doubles and won the match straight sets. Well done babe!!
• Thursday, 15 Mar: Too late for any runs. Visited granny at the hospital instead and started packing for KL when i returned home.
• Friday, 16 Mar: Ed played in another game. Though the team lost in the end, her doubles pair won their match straight sets. Carbo loaded after that.
• Saturday, 17 Mar: Left home very early to join a group of SGRunners at Golden Mile for the journey up to KL. Bus left at 730am and my stomach was not feeling good. Reached KL at 1pm, and Yeehua came by to hand us our race packs. Had lunch at Kenny Rogers and dinner at Nando's. After preparing gears for the run the next morning, i was on the bed by 10 but could only sleep at 11. Next day is race day!!

I am not as prepared for KL Marathon as i was for SCSM. I hope everything will work out fine.

Last LSD before KL Marathon - 11 Mar 07

A week to go before KL Marathon. Thankfully, i have done long runs lately and felt a last LSD may be sufficient before i get to the start line at Dataran Merdeka. NL got addicted and asked if i wanted another LSD. With Brokie, Dreamrunner, DO and others planning a 21km at ECP on Sunday morning, i managed to convince NL to start our run at 7am instead of his prefered 9. I also managed to get Teelee and Sassy along.

Arrived at ECP Carpark F2 just after 7. Dreamrunner and gang arrived soon after and after putting on my Orange Mizuno top with black shorts, white Adidas cap and Adizero SN Red with the Nathan waist wallet, i did some warm up waiting for NL to arrive.

Though i expected and planned for a slow 16-21km end to end and back along ECP, the group decided for a 25km Carpark F2 to Changi Ferry Terminal along Coastal Rd instead. Sassy was with me all the way, we run-walk as she complained of stomach pains while i didn't want to push myself hard. Coastal Rd seemed neverending, no wonder SGRunners call it the Demoralising route. Even when we reached the traffic light somewhere halfway of the runway, we couldn't see the bend leading to Changi Ferry Terminal. After close to 1:20, we reached Changi FT, tempted to turn back numerous times.

A short break at the dirty toilet later, we turned back and started our return journey. Thankfully, most of the route was shaded. Cyclists zoomed past; i recognised some doing multiple laps. At times, Sassy's stomach pains seemed very bad. I was tempted to flag a cab to bring us back to the start point, using the excuse of not wanting the group to wait long for us. No cab came by though, i remember running up to a car, thinking of asking for a ride ie hitchhike. I guess we were so bored that i brought up the issue of hitchhiking to Sassy, saying i find it funny that in a country deemed safe, hitchhiking is not a practice by many.

Anyhow, we reached the road leading to NSRCC and Sassy said she needs to run so that the pain will go away. I found that strange but didn't want to argue. So run we did, and walked a few times before reaching the end point in more than 3hrs.

It has always been my dream to run the Coastal Rd and i have fulfilled it. I hope i am prepared for KL, though it will be nice to have another short run before leaving on Saturday.

Distance: 25km

Shoe: Adidas Adizero SN Red

Summary for week of 4-10 Mar

Week of 4-10 March, finally burned some rubber on my Adizero SN.

• Sunday, 4 Mar: 21km LSD at ECP.
• Monday, 5 Mar: No runs.
• Tuesday, 6 Mar: Went to CBD but the rain that started @1800hrs meant slippery floor. Had dinner instead.
• Wednesday, 7 Mar: Did a 21km (SCSM Half Marathon route, less the Padang finishing stretch) LSD.
• Thursday, 8 Mar: Travel day, no runs. Mum called in the evening, her brother passed away. The last funeral in the family was my grandma (Mum's mother), about 16 years ago.
• Friday, 9 Mar: Was at my aunt's place for my late uncle's funeral. When the Ustaz was wrapping the body with white cloths, i realised that i am not prepared to die just yet. Not that i can choose but just that there are things i need to learn and prepare myself before leaving for the next world.
• Saturday, 10 Mar: Ed's birthday was Friday, so i fixed up lunch, based on what she requested for; usual stuff, salmon, brocolli, almond jelly with longan, rootbeer float etc.

I realised how fragile we mere mortals are. My new aim in life is to prepare myself for the next world. Like Morrie said, "If you know how to die, then you'll know how to live." HHmm.. wait.. did Morrie said that? or was it Andy McNab?

Evening LSD - 7 Mar

It was raining late evening of Tuesday. Nevertheless, i left for the CBD Run meeting point but was discouraged from running by the wet and slippery floor. Abandoning the plan to run, i had dinner instead. Therefore, i had to make up for it.

At 1700hrs on Wednesday, i set off for what would be a very demoralising 21km run. Donning my NB white top and black shorts, with the red Real Run arm pouch holding my urban survival kit and mobile, and Adizero SN on my feet, i started the run from Crawford Street, along Marina Promenade towards Esplanade. I then made my way up to the bridge before continuing on towards Marina South. In short, the route was similar to the SCSM half marathon.

Perhaps i was still recovering from Sunday's LSD. Perhaps i was just plain lazy. I couldn't get into my slow run momentum, constantly going too fast and getting tired. Worse still, my footpod died on me during the run.

I however finished the run just before 2000hrs, meaning close to 3hrs worth of walking and running. I plan to do another easy 21km this weekend as my final preparation for KL.

Distance: 21km

Shoe: Adizero SN Red.

Mid-morning LSD - Sunday, 4 Mar

NL was a buddy of mine from NS. We served in the same unit at A Div. I have been pestering him to join me for a run, knowing what a speedmonster he is. Remembering that he has lots of relatives in Port Dickson, i immediately though about asking him to join me in the upcoming Port Dickson Half Marathon.

He called me up on a Friday and asked if i wanted to run a 10km at ECP on Sunday. Being deprived of anything that comes close to being a run, i duly agreed before suggesting on a 21km end to end and back run. Could be training for him but a much needed final preparation for my now-seemed-like suicide-attempt at KL Marathon.

We met at 0830hrs and he drove us to the carpark before Fort Rd. After putting on my Mizuno Blue vest and shorts, Adizero SN Red, Cap and Nathan Waist wallet, we set off for the run. Not knowing what slow meant, NL pushed me to a 5min/km pace. I had planned for a 6:15-30 pace. After 3km of that, i reached my limit and slowed down, saw Roonz along the way. NL continued on. Took my first powergel stop at the 7km mark, and bumped into Cokiee, who was probably taking part in the NUS Biathlon. Saw TLR before i continued running towards Tanah Merah. Another water break at Changi Sailing club before u-turning at the entrance to NSRCC.

Slow and steady, with plenty of walk breaks, i reached the 14km mark, the same toilet i saw TLR and Cokiee. The Biathlon was in full swing by then, and i took the opportunity to follow some of the runners' pace, after having my second and last pack of powergel. As i passed the chalet, i heard a call for 'shut' and i turned around seeing Sotong. A hi later and he breezed past me.

With aching thighs, calves, shoulders and feet, i reached the imaginary finish line at Fort Rd. My timing was a disgrace. However, i was glad to have completed the run. It may not have been similar or better than the 35km i completed 3 weeks before SCSM but it'll do.

Shoe: Adizero SN Red

Distance: 21km.

Time: 2:42.... well, still better than my first half marathon in 2003. That was about 2:48.

Summary for week of 25 Feb - 3 Mar

A high on the Sunday and nothing else after.

• Sunday, 25 Feb: National vertical Marathon. Couldn't run after that.
• Monday, 26 Feb: No runs. Visited granny, no mood thereafter.
• Tuesday, 27 Feb: No runs. Was all ready to go for CBD but a last minute directive by the-boss meant i had to carry so many stuff home, needed to travel to Bintan the next day. So i gave up CBD, and lugged the stuff home.
• Wednesday, 28 Feb: Travel day. Again, a last minute directive by the-boss meant i had to take a later ferry back. Too late for anything by the time i get back. Went to visit granny again, and was in the worse morale ever when i saw her condition. The morale became even worse when i saw my grandpa, having to explain to him my absence. Sadness.
• Thursday, 1 Mar: Took leave. I guess what happened the day before left a lasting impact on me, and particularly my head. A massive headache meant not just no runs but also me on the bed with an ice-pack on my forehead.
• Friday, 2 Mar: No runs. Had a meeting with a national hero, someone from the team that scaled Mt Everest. I was impressed. Visited granny again, grandpa was there. Surprisingly, and a good surprise indeed, instead of whining about how much he misses her, he actually recited some prayers for grandma. Made me feel a whole lot better, but not enough to wipe away the sadness.
• Saturday, 3 Mar: Finally got to run, though a very short distance of 6km. Ed will be taking part in the Women's Outdoor Challenge on the day i'm due to leave for KL Marathon. Sad that i will not be able to cheer and support her during her race, i encouraged her to do this run. Did a 6km from Crawford Street and went past the River HongBao Festival at the Esplanade on our way to and from the u-turn point just before Clarke Quay.

Well, nothing much other than me being sad each time i see my granny. 2 weeks to KL Marathon, better do something or i will suffer.

National Vertical Marathon - 25 Feb 07

My first ever Vertical Challenge. Have always wanted to do this, now is my chance.

Teelee came to pick me up at 0600hrs and we made our way to Raffles Place MRT Station. Arrived just before 0630hrs and a short queue of competitors had already formed. Knew nothing about the race, we joined the queue and soon registration for Men's Open started. I was handed number 30 and allocated detail 5.

At 0705hrs, the first 8 details were requested to report and so we did. We then made our way to the start point, at Republic Plaza. My MP, Teo Ser Luck (MP for Ponggol South) was the guest of honor and after giving some encouraging words, flagged off the race for the first detail right on 0730hrs. Subsequent details were flagged off in 2 minute intervals.

Mine was at 0738hrs. I started at the back of my detail, brisk walking to the staircase. I double stepped my way for the first few storeys and before i knew it, 9 storeys passed and i started to feel thirsty. Thankfully the first waterpoint was at the 10th level and the marshal was happy to provide me with some. After gulping a cup of plain ice cold water, i continued on.

I started to feel burning sensations on my thighs as i climbed, one step at a time. Teelee, who was a detail behind, overtook me at the 19th floor. Another competitor, an "ang-moh" did the same somewhere after the 30th floor before an MR25 runner breezed past. Then i climbed past a competitor who was resting.

Taking drinks at every drink station, i suddenly realised that i had climbed 50 storeys and had 10 more to go. Without breaking a stride and a cup of water in my right hand, i climbed and pulled my way up to the 60th floor, finishing the race in 15:56mins.

I then saw Teelee, who completed his in just below 10minutes. Finishing point was in an enclosed area, not the open-air top on the roof kind i expected. After resting for a minute, we were ushered down to the start point and claimed our goodie bag.

Good race and experience. Organisation was commendable.

Shoe: Adizero SN Red

Time: 15:56 minutes

Distance: 60 storeys

Summary for week of 18-24 Feb

Nothing happened. No training nothing, just laze around and memorize the tv schedule.

• Sunday, 18 Feb: No runs. Chinese New Year. Got up late after watching Man Utd's FA Cup match. Was also parent-meet-parent day.
• Monday, 19 Feb: No runs, second day of CNY.
• Tuesday, 20 Feb: No runs. Public holiday in lieu was what they called this day. I called it lazy day. Sent mum and dad to the airport for their annual "pilgrimage" to Kiwiland. They better bring me back some manuka honey.
• Wednesday, 21 Feb: Boss gave 2 extra days leave, for free. Too lazy to run.
• Thursday, 22 Feb: No runs.
• Friday, 23 Feb: No runs. Back to work.
• Saturday, 24 Feb: No runs. Visited granny at the hospital and no mood to do anything after that.

Can't believe i let the week passed by without any runs.

Summary for week of 11-17 Feb

Stressful week.

• Sunday, 11 Feb: No runs.
• Monday, 12 Feb: No runs.
• Tuesday, 13 Feb: Valentine Eve CBD Run.
• Wednesday, 14 Feb: No runs. Went to Bintan in the morning.
• Thursday, 15 Feb: No runs. Went to view the house. Only good point other than the location was the iron gate. Flooring was marble, wasn't bad, just that i have never imagined my home to have marble flooring. I have always prefered white ceramic tiles. Flooring must be neutral, let the furnitures dictate the house's design. Dining area was spacious but living room looked rather narrow. Walls weren't plastered smooth. Toilets needed major work. So does the kitchen, with its awful pink walls-covering tiles. I dread to think how much the renovation will cost me.
• Friday, 16 Feb: Quiet day at the office. Too lazy to run. Had to bring lots of things home, bearing in mind the next time i will be working will be the following Friday. Long holiday due to CNY. Apologies to Oliver, the guys from my GDBA class held a gathering to welcome him back from China, i had to excuse myself, again.
• Saturday, 17 Feb: Brokie organised a run, to welcome Richy who arrived from Hong Kong. Though originally planned to join, i pulled out the day before, sorry Brokie.

So another lack-of-running week. I seriously doubt i could be ready for Vertical Marathon. Maybe i should just concentrate on training for KLIM.

Valentine Eve Run at CBD - 13 Feb 07

CBD Run on the eve of Valentine's Day. More than 15 people gathered for the run. I took leave for the day, for no apparent reason other than to assist with the renovation going on at my parent's house. Got to Tanjong Pagar early, so had drinks with my good neighbour Sassyrunner.

Headed for the start point and changed to my Mizuno white/orange top and black shorts, and put on my beloved Adizero SN Red plus my urban running kit-filled waist wallet.

Tigger gave a short briefing about the route before we set off. The route started at Tanjong Pagar MRT, down Maxwell Rd to Marina Station Rd after the tunnel, then into Marina City Park towards the sundial. We then had to find our way to the pavements at the side of Benjamin Sheares Bridge which will bring us to Raffles Boulevard. From there, head towards Esplanade Bridge and run down Shenton Way before turning right at Maxwell Rd to go back to the start point.

I started behind the front pack but waited for the next group at the entrance of Marina City Park. Running with ST and Angie, we headed towards the sundial before going up the bridge towards Raffles Boulevard. Then it was toilet break for me before catching up with Angie and ST. Did a short sprint with Cokiee from Maxwell Rd back to the start point.

It was then games time with SGRunners. Sotong was the host, grouping the guys from the girls. Of course the guys lost, hardly surprising since we have intelligent ladies.

Good run, though a little on the short side.

Distance: 8km

Shoe: Adizero SN Red

Summary of Week 4-10 Feb 07

Just one run, very busy with every other thing:

• Sunday, 4 Feb: House hunting Part 2. Found 2 nice units, one at Pasir Ris, nearby Downtown East, while the other at Tampines, near to stadium, swimming pool, mosque and central. No runs.
• Monday, 5 Feb: No runs, had to clear some stuff at work till late.
• Tuesday, 6 Feb: CBD Run.
• Wednesday, 7 Feb: My plan for a run was dashed by a long meeting.
• Thursday, 8 Feb: No runs, had a Double Whopper with Cheese from BK instead.
• Friday, 9 Feb: D-day. An hour wait at HDB office, and decided to go long on a call (buy an option to buy, if i remember my Finance correctly) option for the flat at Tampines. Goodbye HSP, hello Eastside.
• Saturday, 10 Feb: Celebration time, after a hectic and stressful week looking and waiting for a house. So....... no runs.

Another inactive week. Good luck to me.

CBD Run - 6 Feb 07

I have been rather inactive since the GE 30km in KL, so i was overjoyed when Tuesday came. Made my way to CBD after a long meeting at the office.

Sadly, just a handful of runners turned up; one of them being Juwatim. Running is probably not the sport of choice for people in my community. That probably explained why there are not many Malay runners in SGRunners; the boss TLR, ALD, Harmoni, Siti, OP, me and now Juwatim.

Anyhow, having donned my SGRunners vest and Adidas back shorts, i put on my new Asics Cumulus. Nobody wanted to lead the run so i just ran at my own pace, with Juwatim close behind. He was behind me not because he was slower, but because he didn't know the route.

Having had the usual toilet break at the pier, i ran alongside, first JT and Angie, then Petia. Juwatim was still following a few meters back. Slow and steady, we made our way back to the start point.

Didn't really enjoyed the run this time, probably because i wasn't used to the new shoe.

Distance: 10km

Shoe: Asics Cumulus

The need for good shoes

The recently purchase Asics Gel Cumulus VIII was the fifth running shoe that i have bought since i joined SGRunners, back in May 2006. Before that, i have never purchased a running shoe costing more than S$100. I have been asked my times, even by runners, on why i spend a sizeable percentage of my income on shoes. Well, i could only think of 1 incident.

Back in 2001, that will be during the holidays after my second year exams, i went camping at Pulau Ubin's Nordin Beach, with a group of friends. To cut the story short, i accidentally stepped onto burning charcoal on my way to my tentage. A group of students sharing the beach with us had left burning coal on the beach. How irresponsible!! I spent the next 2 weeks limping and in great pain. Good thing i was wearing a Teva sandal, covered most of my feet. It was then that i realised how precious our limps are and have taken every conceivable effort to take care of myself, including giving up football (for fear of injuring my leg) and buying expensive shoes.

I think the first expensive shoe i bought was my Magnum combat boots, which my reservist buddies still disturbed me about. If i remember correctly, i paid S$105 for that. A little steep for what i would use for less than 20 days a year. Nevertheless, comparing this boots with the one supplied by SPF is like comparing heaven and hell. No matter how much patrolling i have to do, or how long i need to stand at the sentry or observation point, the shoe caused me no pain. Maybe because it has bled my pocket when i paid for it.

My first expensive running shoe was the Adidas Adizero SN Orange. My running shoe list, as of June 2006, is as follows:

• Adidas Adizero SN Orange : S$104 (Excellent cushioning and weight, good for 21km; 4 half Marathons and an Ultramarathon finishes)
• Adidas Nova : S$64 (i think) (under-utilised)
• Mizuno Creation 7 : S$146 (a total disappointment; heavy like a brick)
• Adidas Adizero SN Red : S$104 (1 half Marathon, 1 30km and 1 full Marathon finishes)
• New Balance 1060 : S$109 (good cushioning but stiff and heavy)
• Asics Gel Cumulus : S$126

Might be a lot of money spent but i rather buy good shoes than injure myself.

Summary for week of 28 Jan - 3 Feb

Run, Dinner etc

• Sunday, 28 Jan: No runs. Bought cushioning gel and Nathan waist wallet from RunningLab
• Monday, 29 Jan: No runs.
• Tuesday, 30 Jan: CBD Run.
• Wednesday, 31 Jan: No runs. Did a light workout at the gym.
• Thursday, 1 Feb: No runs. Boss' birthday dinner.
• Friday, 2 Feb: No runs. Bought a pair of Asics Cumulus VIII from Queensway, $126.
• Saturday, 3 Feb: No runs. Roaming around the island for my future shelter.

Not much run but i'm glad to have done the gym work. It has been a while since i did sit ups and thankfully i could still do 42 within a minute.

CBD Run - 30 Jan 07

As usual, Tuesdays meant CBD Run. Many runners were already at the start point when i arrived, including Taz. Taz has been out of action since Singapore Marathon in Dec. It is great to see him back.

Had changed to my running attire at the office, so i just needed to put on my NB1060 and urban running kit before starting the run. My shoe had an extra cushioning gel inserted under the insole, which i hope could solve my forefoot problem. I also had my Nathan Waist Wallet on, though without the 5 packs of Powergel i intend to carry during KL Marathon.

Did the first part of the usual Marina South route mainly on my own. After toilet break at the Pier, continued and did the extra 3km loop with Balasing and Alvo.

Distance: 13km

Shoe: NB1060

Cushioning Gel: Not much impact but added extra weight to the shoe.

Nathan Waist Wallet: Cool stuff, hardly felt its' presence although it is much bulkier than the race belt i normally wear.